Refining the goals of oculofacial rejuvenation with dynamic ultrasonography

Abstract

Volume enhancement/restoration addresses a key component of facial aging and plays an increasingly central role in facial rejuvenation. Advancing our understanding of the structure and morphology of facial aging-and the changes that can be induced with currently-available fillers-will optimize treatment and provide a consensus for appropriate selection of agents and procedures. By elucidating anatomic relationships-particularly dynamic relationships- ultrasonography may facilitate the selection and application of rejuvenation agents and procedures such as lower eyelid blepharoplasty with hyaluronic acid reinforcement of the middle lamella and lateral canthal retinaculum, en glove lysis and dermal fat grafting in the retractor plane for lower eyelid retraction, "posterior girdle" effect with high-viscosity fillers for malar festoons, dynamic analysis of hyaluronic acid within the levator plane for upper eyelid retraction, and serial distribution and integration of autologous fat injection in the lower lid compartments. In this article, the authors describe use of dynamic high-resolution ultrasonography as a tool in defining and improving the outcomes of periocular facial rejuvenation. © 2012 The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc.